Una historia de la psicología del tráfico y el transporte en Europa

Abstract

This article is not a directory of 100 years of research work in European countries, but a general ovetview, an empirical classification of chronological tendencies and a preparation for a future field of research. We consider the main trends of the four stages of the development of transport psychology from
the beginning of the century (the "psychophysics" stage) to the present day ("technical assistance"). The development of transport psychology received a decisive impetus during the two world wars and is strongly associated with the
development of transport itself, public safety policies and the preventive and technical measures taken by transport operators and the car industry. Transport psychology is closely connected to the development of safety: first, and
still foremost, the safety of professional drivers, and then that of all categories of transport users. Transport psychology in Europe today is un important and organized urea of psychology covering nearly all academic aspects of the discipline. It is closely linked to social and economic factors. In most cases, the application of psychology to transport allows us to discuss, validate and put into practice the concepts and methods of general psychology. Our branch of
psychology has reached a level where theoretical or practical syntheses are imperative, as is the need to present and publish the results of greatest interest for science and for society.